Merger control

Merger control rules can stop your transaction in its tracks, or seriously affect its timing and structure. We can assist you to minimise the cost and burden of complying with the multiple systems of merger control that now exist worldwide. Our expertise helps you to obtain clearance in those jurisdictions where notification is required, in the shortest time and in an efficient and co-ordinated manner.

Members of our team have successfully advised on many high profile and complex transactions, including Phase II investigations by the European Commission and UK Competition Commission (now merged into the Competition and Markets Authority).

Our strong relationships with the EU, UK and other competition authorities enable us to navigate the merger control process smoothly, from briefing papers and pre-notification meetings to notifications, oral hearings and, where necessary, remedies negotiations. Our team includes a non-governmental advisor to the International Competition Network, as well as former officials at competition authorities including the UK’s Office of Fair Trading (now merged into the Competition and Markets Authority). Where required, we work closely with leading economists.

We are able rapidly to assess where your transaction may need to be notified, and advise you as to regulatory risk, so that you can take well-informed decisions that affect the future of your business. Where filing in more than one country is required, our global network of preferred firms and other specialised legal advisors enables us to coordinate multijurisdictional filings, while you can choose to keep one central point of contact.

If you are concerned that a proposed transaction may damage your business, we can help you make a complaint to the relevant competition authority and possibly intervene in the case. If a merger decision, whether clearance or prohibition, has a negative impact on competition in your sector, we can help you decide whether to appeal the decision, and represent you in national or EU courts.

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